Keen On America The School of Misery: The Children of a Manufactured Miracle
Jan 5, 2026
In this enlightening conversation, Erica L. Green, a New York Times education reporter and co-author of *Miracle Children*, teams up with investigative journalist Katie Benner. They delve into the troubling realities of T.M. Landry, a school once hailed as a miracle but marred by exploitation and deceit. Topics include the manipulation of student narratives in college applications, the racial dynamics at play, and the complexities surrounding the school's founders. Their insights challenge conventional notions of success in education and illuminate the systemic issues that need urgent reform.
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Charisma Enabled Trust And Control
- The Landrys presented charismatic, relatable life stories to persuade families they understood struggle.
- Erica L. Green says that persona helped them become avatars of the American dream for local Black students.
Success Turned Into Leverage
- Students felt the Landrys diagnosed real injustices but later saw exploitation and coercion.
- Katie Benner says that success became a tool to extract obedience and profit from families.
Racial Asymmetry In Media Attention
- Viral attention focused on Black students' admissions while white students' results received little coverage.
- Katie Benner questions why Black achievement felt extraordinary while similar white successes stayed invisible.
